RICHARD ""CLEVE"" HILL of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Edith Hill passed away on March 15, 2009 at the age of 93 years.

Cleve was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and moved with his parents to Lethbridge, where he started his schooling and completed it as an LCI graduate and president of the student council.

He volunteered for active duty at the outbreak of the Second Great War, and joined the 13th District Company, Royal Canadian Service Corps. Following his war duty, Cleve embarked on a career in financial services, and retired after 35 years with Canada Trust.

Cleve made an extensive contribution to community service. He served as deputy speaker and Lieutenant Governor of Tuxis Parliament, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA Board, and the Lethbridge and District Exhibition Board. He chaired the United Way Appeal campaign, the Board of Southminster United Church and an Advisory Board for the Salvation Army. He was a tireless and effective chair of several committees charged with development and fundraising for community facilities. Cleve was Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Legion, a Director on the Lethbridge Foundation, Senator of the University of Lethbridge, a City Alderman and a contributing member of several other organizations.

Cleve was attuned to the importance of agriculture as an economic and social force in southern Alberta. He coupled his dedication to the annual Lethbridge and District Exhibition to his love of horses by being Whoop Up Parade Marshall for 30 years, astride his horse, often accompanied by daughter Barb on hers.

Cleve was widely known as an accomplished public speaker, and shared his skills through public speaking courses at the Lethbridge Community College and the Peigan and Blood reserves.

Colleagues, family and friends attest that this remarkable leader was always willing to help in the betterment of a worthy cause to make the community stronger, and was always a true gentleman in all his endeavors.

Cleve will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Barbara Hillman, son-in-law Eric Hillman, close friend Russell Fairhurst, sisters-in-law; Myrtle Baker and Beryl Pitcairn, grandchildren; Craig Hillman and Kirsten Hillman, their families, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Cleve was predeceased by his brother Sherman Hill and sister-in-law Leah Hill.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 - 4 Avenue South Lethbridge, with Reverend Lois Punton and Reverend Frank Lewis officiating, with a Last Post Tribute by the Royal Canadian Legion. A private family inurnment will take place in the Mountain View Cemetery, Field of Honor.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to charities of their choice.